Monthly Archives: April 2018

In ACRIMONY, Melinda (Taraji P. Henson) is on the receiving end of a restraining order filed by her ex-husband, Robert (Lyriq Bent). The court orders her into therapy, and her story unfolds in flashback. She meets Robert in college, and they quickly fall in love and marry; Melinda uses money from her mother’s life insurance to finance his dream project, a self-charging battery. Years go by, and Melinda continues to support Robert, with no hope on the horizon. Their marriage disintegrates, partly due to the re-emergence of Diana (Crystle Stewart), a former flame of Robert’s. After Melinda and Robert’s divorce, Diana helps him sell his idea, and they become wealthy. But despite Robert paying Melinda $10m and buying back her mother’s house, she still believes that her life has been stolen from her — and only revenge can quench her ferocious rage.

I had fun hearing different perspectives from people about this movie but this is what I’ve always preached, don’t turn into an angry person because you can’t have the man you want. I really do not like how the black woman was portrayed like she’s always angry and would rather destroy what she cannot have. The movie is also real in the sense that women sometimes sacrifice too much and end up blaming the recipient when they end up with less than expected. I cannot deny the fact that Robert was a parasite, he didn’t care if Mel was working endlessly to keep them, he just wanted to survive, while he worked on his dream. For 18 years, Melinda kept supporting her home and losing herself and her youth in the process

Melinda went too far in trying to get Robert back, which to me was very unnecessary. Definitely, movies like this should be made, that when it comes to obsession and betrayal, both parties never walk away unscathed… As adults, we make our own decisions, we are well capable of moving on and finding our happiness but the moment we assume our happiness is hinged on someone or getting married to someone, it is only downhill from there

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with going after a man you want but if he doesn’t want you, move on. We must also take responsibilities for our actions as I’ve seen and heard ladies blame Robert for Melissa’s tragedy. I do not like Robert but Melinda was a woman scorned who didn’t take the second chance she was given but chose to go back to the past and deny everyone of what could have been. The ultimate revenge at Robert would have been to live her best life but she chose rage and revenge over a second chance at happiness.

This movie leaves one feeling awful and hopeless, but I must say, it made me more determined to live my life on my own terms and not tie my happiness to a circumstance or human. That way, moving on will be easier and expecting new opportunities will be my motivation.

DANG: In this day and age, most OAPs try to blend in and few end up with mixed / fake accents. As the director of programs for Beat FM, what makes a great OAP? Content, accent, voice?

Toolz: I think what makes a great OAP is their ability to relate to and engage their audience. The most important thing is to know your audience and make sure you give them what they want. Have your own identity, know your music and know what makes you different. I have an accent because I spent my formative years in the UK, but I don’t believe you need to have an accent to be a great OAP. In my opinion, it’s always better to speak properly than to have an accent.

DANG: The Media moves with trends to stay relevant, evolving is inescapable. As one of the leading OAP/TV host in this part of the world, how have you managed to incorporate the ever-changing trends?

Toolz: I’ve been lucky to have some amazing opportunities come my way, but I’ve also realized the importance of deliberately building a brand. Know and maximize your strengths. Also, know and maximize on current trends. In this day and age, you have to make sure you have exposure on all or most trending platforms. Social media is massive now, so as someone that’s in the media/entertainment industry, even if I’m not a fan of social media I need to make sure my brand is visible there.

DANG: As the Director of programs/decision maker, how well do women support each other in the entertainment industry?

Toolz: The entertainment industry is still very male-dominated, which is a big shame, but it is gradually changing. Women definitely support each other, but I find that we are often pitted against each other. With regards to artists, for example, it’s almost like there’s an unwritten rule that there can only be one successful female artist at a time which is ridiculous. There’s room for plenty.

DANG: What is your work ethic?

Toolz: Get the job done by any (legal) means necessary! I hate excuses, and I hate being in the position where I have to make excuses.

DANG: What makes ‘Toolz’ Toolz?

Toolz: I try to be unapologetically true to myself. I have moments when I want to be silly, I have moments when I prefer being sophisticated. It’s important to me to go with whichever emotion I’m feeling at that point and to not let anyone dictate that part of my life to me.

DANG: What most people see is the glamorous life of every OAP. What piece of advice would you give undergraduates / fresh graduates out there who crave for a career on the radio?

Toolz: The glamorous side is perhaps 10% of it. I tell graduates/interns to be prepared to be fully committed to the job, even when it’s not fun. I’ve been at Beat FM for almost 10 years now, and I’ve only had 2 Christmas days off… because they fell on weekends.

DANG: What would you say are the top 3 skills required of an all-around entertainer?

DANG: Through trying times personally and work-wise, what has kept you grounded?

Toolz: God, family, and friends. Last year was particularly trying for me, and I’m thankful for my relationship with God, and I’m also so incredibly grateful for the support network of family and friends that I have around me